Unfortunately this is one of the tragic tales of a good showdog ruined by 'brutal' treatment.

'Magic', although only having been to 3 shows in England won 2 Best Puppy In Breed awards and a Reserve Best Bitch ! In Ireland she won 2 Reserve Green Stars....she was on her way to a promising show career when a beagle breeder in Alaska asked if she could buy her.

I reluctantly let her go, hoping that she would have a good life out there and I even travelled out with her to make sure she was alright.

Unfortunately I soon realised my mistake.....The woman I had sold her to, Gail Tutt, had had poor 'Magic's' vocal chords cut and also had her speyed. This poor defenceless hound could no longer bark and had been subjected to a terrible ordeal and a lifetime of silence, and, as we discovered later in her life, a slow death-sentence!

I rapidly made arrangements to have her flown back to me but, because she had only been out of the country for 3 months and due to Pet Passport regulations, she had to go into UK quarantine for 3 months.

People were horrified at the way she had been treated and the quarantine kennel owners, like me, cried when they heard her try to bark or make any sort of noise to greet you.

Nobody could understand why ANYBODY would have such an operation carried out on ANY dog. It seems that in America they have it done so that the dog cannot bark and annoy neighbours!!!

WHY HAVE A DOG ??

I felt so guilty at letting this poor hound suffer under the hands of this terrible woman but was so pleased that I had managed to get her back....no matter how much it cost me!

HOWEVER, it was soon discovered that Magic had some difficulty with her breathing, caused obviously by the de-barking. As time went on she became more & more breathless on walks or when out playing in the fields. At the age of just 6 she bacame much worse and so out Vet decided to give her an X-ray to see what the problem was.

It was during the X-ray examination, under anaesthetic, that the Vet discovered a large tumor growing between the cut vocal chords. We were told that it was impossible to remove the tumor as it was far too advanced and further examination showed that the cancer had spread into her lymphatic system.

We knew that it would not be long before we would have to make that final car journey with poor magic to the Vets, to stop her suffering and, in the meantime, we took her home where she spent her last few weeks with us, being pampered in the manner she so deserved.

On the 10th. August 2010 we took Magic to the Vet who gave her what was to be her final examination. We were told that it was now 'time' to let Magic go with dignity as the cancer was now spreading quickly.

On Friday 13th. August 2010 Magic looked into our eyes for the last time as she slipped away peacefully under the anaesthetic.

I will never, ever forgive Gail Tutt for having this barbaric de-barking operation carried out on this beautiful hound, and this is someone who professes to be a dog lover!

Magic is at reast now but I hope and prey that Gail Tutt's concience never rests.

It might be 'normal' in America to have this disgusting and horrific operation carried out but thank God, here in civilised Europe, it is totally illegal.

I personally sent a letter to President Obama, asking him to bring an end to this barbaric and in-humane procedure in what we are led to believe is a civilised society but had no reply whatsoever...not even from an under-secretary or even cleaner! Just shows that they all seem it to be acceptable! I you are American and think, like eveyone in the U.K, this to be a barbaric operation, then why not bring pressure on your government to stop it IMMEDIATELY!

May I also add that Gail Tutt also sent me a couple of Emails, concerned that I should have mentioned her name in respect of her having had this done to Magic! She demanded I removed her name, which shows me that even she must realise it is totally wrong. Following a consultation with my Solicitor I am told that I do not have to remove her name as she DID have this barbaric operation carried out on Magic.

In her Emails Gail Tutt showed no concern for poor Magic and showed absolutely no remorse for what she had done.

Magic when she arrived into quarantine kennels following her terrible ordeal in Alaska

Magic loved to sneak onto the furniture and lie in the sun whenever she got chance